Certification Training | Core Focuses

Designed to build upon Cisco’s foundational certification, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), these highly specialized certifications offer individuals a career stepping stone into today’s advanced networking landscape. As technologies continue to evolve, these certifications provide IT professionals with the opportunity to broaden or add specialized skills, differentiating them in the marketplace and opening doors to exciting career opportunities in various fields.

While the CCNA remains the certification of choice for those seeking to demonstrate a solid foundation in core networking skills—including routing, switching, security, and automation—the evolving Cisco certification landscape now includes a more streamlined and comprehensive certification path.

In the current structure:

• The CCNA certification serves as the baseline, covering a broad range of topics, including network fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation. This foundational knowledge prepares individuals for a wide range of specialized roles in networking, security, automation, and beyond.
   
• For professionals wishing to focus on specific technologies, Cisco now offers specialized certifications within its CCNP and CCIE tracks that align with high-demand areas such as Security, Collaboration, Data Center, Enterprise Networking, and Cloud Networking. These certifications build on the knowledge and skills gained through the CCNA and offer more targeted preparation for roles in security, collaboration, wireless, and data center technologies.
   

Cisco also offers a more modern, integrated approach for individuals seeking a career in Voice, Security, Wireless, and other technology domains, providing a clear path for advancement into professional and expert-level roles, such as:

• CCNP Security – For those pursuing careers in network security, focusing on topics such as firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion prevention.
   
• CCNP Collaboration – For professionals focused on voice, video, and collaboration technologies.
   
• CCNP Enterprise – For those specializing in enterprise networking, including advanced routing, switching, and network design.
   
• CCNP Data Center – Focused on technologies in data center management and automation.
   

These certifications represent an advanced step for individuals interested in specialized careers and serve as prerequisites for Cisco's professional-level certifications such as CCNP and CCIE. Additionally, for those in cloud and network automation, Cisco offers DevNet Associate and Professional certifications, paving the way for specialization in DevOps, automation, and cloud solutions.

Through these certifications, IT professionals can gain a competitive edge in the rapidly changing tech environment, preparing them for the next phase in their careers and ensuring they remain at the forefront of networking, security, and automation technologies.